Deming police investigate apparent murder, suicide

DEMING - Deming Police officials are investigating what appears to be a murder/suicide that occurred Wednesday afternoon at 1820 S. Saddler.

Det. Sgt. Clint Hogan said Robert Kratz, age 64, was found sitting in the living room with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was found with a .38-caliber handgun in his lap.

His wife of 43 years, Jean Kratz, age 62, was found dead in bed with at least one gunshot wound to the side of her head.

Captain Bobby Orosco said officers were sent to the residence at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday after dispatchers received a 911 call about an unattended death.

It appears the 911 call was made by Robert Kratz, reporting that his wife was dead.

Kratz must have immediately turned the gun on himself, because Hogan, Officer Richard Gallosa and emergency medical responders who arrived within minutes of the 911 call found him alive but suffering from a gunshot wound.Orosco said Robert Kratz was transported to the hospital by ambulance but died in the emergency room.

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